New to FitRec? Here’s What You Need to Know

New to FitRec? Here's What You Need to Know

At 270,000 square feet, BU's Fitness & Recreation Center can feel a little intimidating the first time you enter the sprawling complex. If you've yet to check out the pools, four-court gym, or eight-lane jogging track or to take one of the more than 500 classes offered throughout the year, we've put together an easy-to-use guide that walks you through the building floor by floor.

Getting in

Everyone enters through the main doors, where the front desk and entry gates are. If you are a full-time student, you'll need to sign the full-time student waiver form on your first visit, then your BU ID card will open access to every level of the building. Full-time students have automatic access to FitRec, as it's included in tuition.

Second Floor Workout Area of the Gerald Tsai Jr. Fitness Center. Photo by Janice Checchio

Best time to visit FitRec

With more than 4,000 members stopping by every day, FitRec can get pretty packed during peak hours. Early morning through early afternoon-6 am to 2 pm- is usually the least crowded. Attendance starts to build later in the day, especially from 4 to 8 pm. Before you go, check the usage data FitRec updates daily so you don't end up waiting around for your workout.

Cardio central

Cardiovascular Equipment Including Treadmill and Ellipticals. Photo by Sangmin Song

Just inside the gates, rows of treadmills and ellipticals overlook FitRec's competition and diving pools. Cardio machines are spread across most floors, from the basement to the second, so it's rare not to find one available. With 27 treadmills, 20 ellipticals, and 8 climbmills across the facility, every floor offers a space to get your heart rate up and keep your workout routine flexible.

Dumbbells and mirrors

If lifting is more your thing, FitRec has dumbbells on nearly every floor. On the first floor, the main weight area has a wall of mirrors and dumbbells ranging from 5 to 120 pounds. The second floor offers another set of dumbbells ranging from 5 to 75 pounds, and the third floor has two smaller sections with dumbbells from 5 to 75 pounds. Wherever you go, there's always room to lift.

Personal training and private Pilates

FitRec offers plenty of options if you prefer more guidance in your workout. Certified personal trainers are available for 30-minute, hour-long, or remote home sessions, and you can choose from single, 5-, or 10-session packages. There's also a private training studio and a dedicated Pilates space with four reformers for both one-on-one lessons and small group classes.

Comm Ave view from bikes

Indoor Cycling Machines Facing Commonwealth Avenue on the Second Floor. Photo by Sangmin Song

Toward the windows overlooking Comm Ave on the second floor, you'll find 14 walk-ride and spin bikes along with one accessible bike. Because the windows face west, it's one of the best spots on campus to catch the sunset while getting a workout in. Four more bikes are available on the third floor if the area fills up.

Elevated Running Track Over the 4-Court Gymnasium. Photo by Janice Checchio

Third floor track and four-court gym

Climb another set of stairs (or cheat a bit and take the elevator) to reach the indoor track. Seven laps equal a mile, and there's a sign showing the right direction. Checking before stepping onto the track avoids running against the flow.

From the track, the four-court gym is in view below. Basketball and volleyball are common sights, but the courts carry added meaning on campus. "This is where BU orientation and graduation receptions take place, so it's something of a meaningful place for all students, where your college life starts and ends," says Rafael Rivas, FitRec assistant director of fitness and wellness.

Physical education classes

FitRec offers a wide range of physical education classes each semester, from skating and tennis to Pilates, yoga, and climbing. These classes tend to fill up quickly, especially the ones with smaller group sizes, so it's best to sign up early. "Think of it as a class that could count as your workout of the day," says Kate Durant, associate director of programs at BU's Physical Education, Recreation & Dance department. "It's a commitment you make at the beginning of the year and a commitment to yourself and your wellness." Drop-in classes are also available and are free for full-time students and/or a small fee for part-time students.

Ten Lanes of the Competition Pool and the Diving Pool. Photo by Adam Glanzman

Pools and climbing wall

No tour of FitRec is complete without the aquatic facilities and the 30-foot Barreca climbing wall, which is designed to accommodate climbers of all ability levels, starting from age 5. The two pools are open to everyone during recreational swim hours-no reservation or fee required. "Lots of people think competition pools cannot be used if you aren't good at swimming, but you can even doggy paddle there," says head lifeguard Makayla Gladden (CAS'26). "Nobody will be judging; we even have pool tools, barbells, noodles, and life jackets you can wear, so feel free to visit." Students can also sign up for swim lessons.

Behind the walls of the competition and diving pool is a recreation pool with a 100-foot-long lazy river and a whirlpool hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a workout. The lazy river isn't just for fun; it's also a great way to recover from injuries or build strength by walking against the current.

The climbing wall is overseen by FitRec's Outdoor Programs, which also manages the Sailing Pavilion and popular weekend hiking trips.

Pro Shop

The Pro Shop in the basement is the place to rent equipment, such as balls, towels, locks, and climbing gear, or to buy recovery supplements. "Students can visit the pro shop as often as they like to rent equipment and try new sports with their friends," says Justin Loughlin, assistant manager of member services.

Still lost?

For anyone still unsure where to go, FitRec offers a virtual tour and FAQ on its website. Student and professional staff, easily identifiable by their red shirts or red name tags, are posted on every floor to answer questions and help visitors find their way.

We hope these tips help you make the most of your FitRec experience.

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